South African Culture

In this document I have broken down my findings from my initial research into the key aspects of South African culture.

South Africa is often referred to as the rainbow nation, as it is made up of many diverse cultures and religions, such as; Zulu, Xhosa, Pedi, Tswana, Ndebele, Khoisan, Hindi, Muslim and Afrikaner people to name a few.

Facts

South Africa’s estimated population is around 59 million people.

They are the only country in the world with three capital cities; Pretoria – the administrative capital, Cape town – the legislative capital, and Bloemfontein – the Judicial capital.

Rand is their currency.

They are the second largest producer of fruits.

Tugela Falls are their tallest waterfall, at a height of 983 m (3,225 ft)

Over 2000 Shipwrecks can be found along the coast line.

South Africa is renowned for its cultural diversity.

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Some stereotypes people may immediately think of when hearing South Africa, are; Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Good manners, Shopping markets, Food, Wine, Rooibos (tea), Family, Gifting, Dancing, Shows, Celebrations, music, and Natural beauty.

However, as previously examined, there is more to a culture than its stereotypes. Below I have explored some of the individual factors that may play a role in making up the South African culture.

Languages

South Africa is renowned for its cultural diversity, and hosts a collection of many tribal groups and foreign immigrants. There are 11 official languages of South Africa, including English, Afrikaans, Swazi and Zulu. English is used as an everyday communicative language, while Africans is also widely spoken and used on signs.

South Africa’s ethnic population is as follows; Black 75.2%, White 13.6%,Mixed race 8.6%, Asian 2.6%. With Tribal groups –  Zulu 22.9%, Xhosa 16.5%, Sotho 17.4% and Tswana 7.8% making  up 64.6% of the country’s population, and Afrikaners/Boers (descendants of Dutch settlers) making  up 60% of the white population.

The main religion in the country is Christianity, with over 68% of the population as followers, followed by 28.9% with indigenous beliefs, 2% Muslim followers, and 1.5% Hindus.

Fashion and beauty are massive in some areas of South Africa, with South African fashion week being one of the most diverse in the world. Some popular fashion and beauty trends include; Long lashes, Natural hair, Bold hair colors, Neutral tones makeup with either a bold eye or bold lip, Nails, printed and embroidered fabrics, Bright and bold colors, Beaded jewelry, Headscarfs (for married women), long skirts and suits.

Music is a huge component of this culture, with popular genres being jive and folk forms. Zulu isicathamiya singing and harmonic mbaqanga are popular forms of folk music, followed by house, hip hop, rock, gqom and marabi styles.

Architecture in South Africa is very distinct and varies largely, with many buildings standing in round shapes. However style varies within different tribes such as Xhosa, Zulu, Venda and Colonial.

Rugby, cricket, soccer and golf are all very popular sports in South Africa. However these games are celebrated on a much smaller scale (less commercialized)  when compared to places such as America- with the super bowl.

Famous faces

Nelson Mandela

First black president of South Africa, named father of the nation after becoming the first president of post apartheid south Africa. Also joint Nobel peace prize winner.

Christian Bernard

Pioneering heart transplant surgeon.

Mahatma Gandhi

Political activist, who succeeded in encouraging the use of non-violent resistance.

Nkosi Johnson

Child HIV/AIDS activist who died of the disease at age 12 – making him South Africa’s longest living child, born with HIV.

Winnie Madikizela Mandela

Politician, activist and second wife of Nelson Mandela.

Thabo Mbeki

Second post apartheid president of South Africa.

Gary Player

Professional golfer.

Desmond Tutu

 South African Arch bishop and theologian, known for his work as an anti-apartheid and human rights activist. Also a Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Hansie Cronje

International cricketer and captain of the South Africa national cricket team in the 1990s.

Charlize Theron

Former model and current actress, named one of the highest paid actresses in the world. Academy Award and Golden globe winner.

Shaka Zulu

Founder of the Zulu nation.

Mangosuthu Buthelezi

Politician and Zulu prince.

Leon Schuster

Film maker, comedian and actor.

J.R.R.Tolkien

English writer born in Bloemfontein. Famously known for his creations; The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings.

Natalie du Toit

Paralympic swimmer and gold medalist.

Jeremy Mansfield

Radio and TV personality.

Harry Oppenheimer

Businessman who was ranked one of the wealthiest people in the world.

Felicia Mabuza-Suttle

Talk show host, public speaker and business woman.

Hector Pieterson

Young boy whose death became a symbol of the Soweto uprising of June 1976.

Jody Scheckter

Former Ferrari race car driver and Formula one world champion. He remains the only African to have won the F1 championship.

Jacobus Hendrik Pierneef

Landscape artist, considered to be one of the best old South African masters.

Tebogo Modjadji-Kekana

Globally recognized philanthropist and royal princess.

Elon Musk

Entrepreneur, engineer and industrial designer. Famous for his creation of companies such as pay-pal and SpaceX, as well as being the CEO of Tesla. The man best known for revolutionizing transport both on earth and in space, was born in Pretoria.

Candice Swanepoel

Model, known specifically for her role as a Victoria’s Secret Angel, and named one of the world’s top earning models. Also works closely with charity organizations such as Montehr2mother, a charity supporting and educating pregnant women with HIV.

Caster Semeya

Two time Olympic gold medalist mid distance runner. Known as an intersex woman for filing discriminatory complaints after being asked to take medication to lower her testosterone in order to take part in the Olympics.

Yolandi

Rapper for Die Antwood, and actress. Globally recognized for her outrageous beauty and fashion sense.

Kimbal Musk

Younger brother of Elon Musk, owner of community restaurant chain ‘The Kitchen restaurant group’. Also co-founder of the non profit organization big green – creating outdoor classrooms, square roots – specialists on urban farming, and is a prime Tesla shareholder.

Cyril Ramaphosa

The current South African president.

Sasha Pieterse

Actress, songwriter and singer. Best known for her character in Pretty Little Liars, and placing 10th place in the 25th season of Dancing with the stars.

Demi-leigh nel-Peters

South African model, who won the Miss universe title in 2017.

Reeva Steenkamp

Model, TV personality, and face of Avon in South Africa. Named South African of the year after her tragic death, by shooting, at age 29.

Princess Charlene of Monaco

Former Olympic swimmer, who represented South Africa in 2000. Then married prince Albert, becoming princess consort. Also owns the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which focuses on supporting causes related to AIDS, Sport, and underprivileged children.

Lucky Dube

One of the most influential reggae stars ever.

Sid James

Globally famous actor, best known for his roles in the carry on franchise.

Caspar Lee

Social media star, actor and entrepreneur. Rose to fame in the 2010’s after posting prank videos on YouTube, and now is co-owner of the student accommodation company, proper living.

Brenda Fassie

Dancer, singer, song writer and activist. Brenda won 5 South African music awards, 3 kora awards, and was named the queen of South African pop.

Sarah Baartman

A famous figure in feminist history, Baartman was made a freak show attraction, named the Hottest Venus in the 19th century. Her attraction was based around her large buttox, as she fell victim to the sexualisation and exploitation of African women by European men.